Archive - January 2011

Congratulations to Tatayana, she is the lucky winner of our Trendspotting 'Forward to a Friend' competition.
For recommending the Trendspotting Newsletter to her friends she has won a handmade leather wrap journal worth $99 from Corban & Blair, an Australian company that creates designer stationery that is both stylish and made to last.

For YOUR next chance to win simply recommend the Trendspotting newsletter to your friends and go into the draw to win a surprise gift. The next winner will be announced on 28 Feb, 2011.

When you think of bamboo, you probably think of a tall leafy plant that is only useful for building. As it turns out, bamboo is used in a myriad of other ways. Here at Trendspotter we have been learning about the benefits of bamboo bath towels, and now we understand why there is such a large market for them. Most of us use cotton bath towels, but we think it might be time to make the switch to bamboo. Bamboo is a tough and durable plant whose fibres make for strong, soft, luxurious-feeling towels. It is naturally hypoallergenic, which is great for sensitive skin. The towels are also super absorbent. Best of all, bamboo is a very environmentally-friendly resource. Bamboo towels are available online and at linen stores. Buy some and dry off every day feeling good about the environment.

Who would have thought lampshades could be so interesting? Combine a simple lampshade with two creative designers from the Sunshine Coast and the result is a design trend that can uplift every room. Seven Dandelions sells a range of original, hand crafted lampshades that will be a great addition to the décor of your home. These designers believe that lampshades can change the feel of a room and as such, they have produced lampshades for every taste. They have retro, floral, and child-friendly themes for their prints. Look closely and

Every fashionista knows that accessories make an outfit. In “Sex and the City 2”, Carrie Bradshaw paraded around the exotic setting of Abu Dhabi sporting some interesting headwear. Whatever Bradshaw wears is a winner, and sure enough,turbans started to pop up on catwalks all over the world. Designers embraced the trend, using the colourful cultures of the East as inspiration. Turbans are a unique fashion statement. If you’re the type of person who doesn’t like to stand out, turbans are probably not for you. Instead, go for a pared-down version of this trend, such as a thick headband. If you’re feeling brave, try wrapping your locks in a turban. We dare you.

There’s nothing we love more than designers with a conscience. Our new favourite is Ashley Watson, a Canadian designer who came up with the brilliant idea of remodelling leather jackets into handbags, wallets, and other accessories. Watson scours vintage stores for leather pieces that people have donated because the style is no longer in fashion. She then recycles the leather, and adds extra details such as pockets and zippers. The result is an eco-friendly line of accessories. Because she sources pieces from thrift stores, all of her designs are one-of-a-kind. Click here to see all the places where you can buy Watson’s range.

Are you a keen gardener running low on space? Have you been trying to figure out where to plant a herb garden or some fresh flowers? Well, we have good news for you. Michael Hilgers is a German designer who realised that most people live in apartments, with balconies instead of backyards. Using the concept of the indoor plant pot, he created the “Steckling” planter box. His idea is not only innovative, but arty and practical. The “Steckling” is simply stuck to the balcony railing. There’s no effort required! It’s really that easy. This design is a chic must-have for anyone who wants to spruce up their outdoor area. This unique planter box is also sold as “On-the-Edge”.

If we had to pick one lifestyle trend that really took off in 2010, it would have to be the renewed interest in cooking. There has been a major shift in the way people think about cooking. Instead of seeing it as a duty, many people are now enjoying the process, presentation, and the final product. It’s easy to pinpoint how this trend came about. In Australia, reality cooking show “Masterchef” revived an interest in cooking. After the success of “Masterchef”, the popularity of reality cooking shows exploded. “Junior Masterchef”, “Iron Chef”, and “My Kitchen Rules” are just some of the shows riding the same wave of success. The cooking show phenomenon is not unique to Australia. America has a “Cooking Channel”, which features competitive cooking shows like “Hell’s Kitchen” and “The Chopping Block.” In Germany, “Das Perfekte Dinner” rakes in millions of viewers each week, and in Italy, “Casalinga TV” teaches viewers how to cook in a traditional Italian way. Also, 2010 heralded the arrival of ‘celebrity chefs’ in Australia and around the world. Some big names include Neil Perry, Gordon Ramsay, and Rachael Ray. The cooking trend is making us expand our culinary tastes and try new dishes – we love it!